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The cost to purchase a standalone electromechanical lock was and is usually more than the cost of individual wired components. However, the installation is significantly less expensive. This left the choice of wired versus standalone to the “construction of the building,” the locksmith or the end-user. “Construction of the building” refers to if the walls or jambs were concrete filled, resulting in a very difficult and time consuming job of properly running wires.

Standalone, battery operated electromechanical locks can provide features including:

Hierarchy systems (Master, Submaster, Supervisor, User, Service Code, etc.)

User Code Groups

Hundreds or thousands of User Codes

Time/date methods for controlling access

Lock down (Supervisor code access or no code access)

Holidays

Passage mode – unlocked

Downloadable audit trail (lock history)

Ability to identify when override key was used

Credentials - Keypad, magstripe, proximity, SmartCard, etc.

Touch pad versus keypad

Battery condition indicator

Anti-tamper – three incorrect code and the lock shuts down for a period of time

Standalone locks require someone to go to each lock to determine lock condition, battery strength, to retrieve the audit trails or to make programming changes. Programming changes can be accomplished by having a person download (data transfer tools) or physically program changes at each of the locks. Programming at the lock normally requires the lock to be equipped with a keypad or a port to which a computer or tool can be connected. Programming and checking multiple locks can be time consuming.

However, the upside is the ability to control access by limiting users to specific time ranges and days. If the lock has a built in holiday calendar, it is possible that no programming is required to lock out users on weekends and specific holidays.

To provide more universal options, standalone locks are available to be installed onto narrow stile aluminum/glass doors, as well as be installed onto wood and metal door using cylindrical locks, mortise locks and exit devices. Some lock manufacturers including Alarm Lock offer double-sided locks that are commonly installed onto gates to control access.

WIRELESS

During the 2000s, wireless communication became an available feature for standalone, battery operated electromechanical locks. Wireless communication means no wires to transfer the information to a personal computer or to another lock. There are many different methods of wireless communication and the different software programs that operate them.